Sokoto, NEMA begin 2026 flood preparedness campaign

The Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency and the National Emergency Management Agency have launched the 2026 National Preparedness and Response Campaign on Flood Disaster and Related Hazards in Sokoto State, warning that parts of the state remain vulnerable to flooding during the current rainy season. The campaign was inaugurated on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ engagement on imminent flooding and the dissemination of early warning messages held at the Sultan Maccido Institute for Qur’anic and General Studies Auditorium in Sokoto. Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of Sokoto SEMA, Prof. Abubakar Junaidu, who represented the Special Adviser overseeing the agency, Aminu Bodinga, said proactive measures were necessary to safeguard lives, property and critical infrastructure from flood disasters. He noted that Sokoto State had suffered varying degrees of flooding in recent years, destroying homes, farmlands, roads and other socio-economic assets. “Sokoto State has experienced various degrees of flooding in recent years, leading to the destruction of houses, farmlands, roads and other socio-economic assets, thereby affecting the livelihoods of vulnerable members of society,” Junaidu said. He added that forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency indicated the likelihood of significant rainfall and flooding in some parts of the country, making preparedness and mitigation efforts imperative. According to him, effective disaster management depends on ensuring that early warning information reaches communities promptly and in a language they understand. “We must ensure that early warning messages reach communities in a timely and understandable manner. Local government authorities, traditional institutions, religious leaders, community-based organisations and the media all have critical roles to play in intensifying awareness campaigns on flood prevention and preparedness,” he said. Also speaking, the Director-General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, represented by the Head of Operations, NEMA Sokoto Office, Tukur Abubakar, revealed that 132 local government areas across Nigeria have been classified as high flood-risk zones. At the same time, 148 LGAs in 14 states fall within moderate-risk areas. Related News Four farmers killed, 12 abducted in fresh Sokoto attack NEMA begins market sensitisation in Imo against flooding NIPOST plans digital postcodes for every building in Nigeria She said Sokoto State remains among the states requiring special attention, identifying Goronyo, Gudu, Kebbe, Kware, Sabon B